Arts & Culture

Almost two hundred and fifty youthful participants showed up on time, at 6 p.m. on Friday, at the Surfside Marina, as Art Rules Aruba 2010 launched its official press conference and social mixers, at sunset.

Many of them came with their parents in tow, equally eager to meet the people who made the educational Arts Program for the Youth of Aruba possible.

Founders Ira & Ayra Kip, of the Panacake Gallery Foundation, were on hand to greet participants and to introduce them to the dynamic crew of instructors from around the globe who over the next fortnight will conduct workshops in seven disciplines such as Dance, Theater, Rap & Poetry, DJ-ing, Fashion, Photography & Design and Film.

Art Rules Aruba is a private initiative, a vision that Ira & Ayra had for 29 years, aspiring to use their love for Arts as a tool to aim high, go global and make everything they stand for, a reality. They came to the island about six months ago, and started drumming support for the program one florin at a time, one sponsor at the time, and thanks to their amazing tenacity and stick-to-it-tive-ness managed to make it happen, as envisioned and planned, and fill summer vacation of 2010 with purpose and content.

The attendance, says Shanoulle Bikker, on behalf of Aruba Bank, exceeds our expectations, the bank is focusing on youth this year and this program is just very exciting. Other sponsors such as Ernst & Young & UNOCA helped welcome participants and wish them great progress and productive learning.

Ira & Ayra report that the show at Cas Di Cultura on July 31st will showcase the students’ progress, and the general public is invited to watch the final production, presenting an exclusive Theatrical Multimedia Art Exhibition and Performance.

Tickets for the Art Rules Aruba showcase can be purchased at Cas di Cultura, Unoca and Scol Di Arte. For more information you can also visit www.artrulesaruba.com

Other sponsors of the program include The Aruba Airport Authority, Playa Linda Beach Resort, La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club, Deloitte, Martijn Trading, PWC, AHATA, Coca Cola, Tropical Bottling, Ministerie van Binnenlandsen Zaken en Koninksrelaties and Marketing Plus NV.

Pictured here the excited faces of participants looking forward to an education summer program, as they meet the Art Rules Aruba cast of characters.

Since Aruba established its tourism and culinary training institute 28 years ago, it has produced graduates who have gone on to leadership positions in the island’s fundamental industry, such as the present Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor, Otmar Oduber. 36 young people completed the 3 and 4 year courses that awarded them either an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts or an Associate of Science Degree in Hospitality Management, respectively. Minister of Economic and Social Affairs and Culture, Michelle Hooyboer-Winklaar, as Key note Speaker and Minister of Justice and Education, Arthur Dowers, addressed the graduating class of the E.P.I Tourism Sector 2010.

Commencement exercises were conducted at the Cas di Cultura for 16 Culinary Institute graduates and 20 Hospitality Management students, a mixed group not only from Aruba, but boasting students from Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Bonaire, Suriname, Haiti, The Philippines,the Netherlands, Ecuador and St. Maarten. Haitian student Soniel Lake, graduating with a degree in Culinary Arts, received the E.P.I. award for Leadership and another for Excellence in his chosen field of study.

Tourism Ma nagement Sector Leadership Award went to Valedictorian Giovanna Lui dens. Shakir Hazel delivered a farewell speech on behalf of the students of the apprentice cooks program. The School Spirit Award (now the Randell Franken Memorial Award) was awarded to Maybelline Whittier in Culinary Arts. Winning the School Spirit Award for the Tourism Management Sector was Christine Leo. Most academically improved were Reginald Hoek (Culinary) and Georxinia Croes (Tourism Management). Honors for Academic Excellence went to Ricardo Wever and Rachel Singodojo in Culinary and Tourism sectors respectively. The Faculty Team Spirit Award went to Zahaira Kelly, who arranges internship placements for 200 Culinary Arts students. Julien Larez was the student honored for her outstanding internship conduct.

When Aruba’s tourism school was integrated into the E.P.I. program in 1996, it reached a level of professionalism that has attracted students from around the world, which was demonstrated by the first Chef and Student Culinary Competition conducted this past year, which attracted the attention of the American Culinary Federation.

Story courtesy of Aruba Morning News

William Steely MD, staying with wife Barbra on vacation at the Radisson Aruba Resort Casino & Spa, visited the public library in Oranjestad yesterday to add two copies of his recently published book, 2012 The One, It Was The End Of Times, to the adult reading materials available here.

Steely who penned the book under the name Christopher White, reports it is his first science fiction/thriller, and it takes place in part on Aruba.

The book borrows the Mayan prophesies of the End of Times in the year 2012 and combine it with a new reality in which in the wake of the destruction the possibility of eternal youth, regeneration and rejuvenation unfolds, with the protagonists building their headquarters just below the California lighthouse, on Aruba.

Dr. Steely based his writings on his many fields of interest, medicine, futurism, genetics, history and archaeology, and peppered the book with familiar locations such as the Crystal Casino, the Sunset Grille, the Flying Fishbone and Madame Janette, which weave into the fantastic narrative, as a colorful and exotic backdrop.

The Steelys have visited Aruba many times in the past and view the island as paradise, which is, by the way, the book sequel’s name, Eden Redux, meaning Eden revisited.

Story courtesy of Aruba Morning News

Westin Art Gallery curators Jan and Eefje van Straten were proud to unveil the newest collection of works by noted island artist Vanessa Paulina on Saturday, June 6; expositions usually last for two months.

Paulina has become particularly known in art circles for her sly depictions of a local historical figure, Virginia, a slave who was frequently punished for running away and other “unacceptable” and “rebellious” behavior. When viewing the artist with her works dedicated to the saucy young slave, one is convinced there may be an element of self-portrait in these subtle mixed-media creations.

The balance of the current exposition very much focuses on memories of Aruban life; her own childhood and more historic moments employ a number of her family members as models. The artist commented she feels her own past “reflected in the eyes of a new generation.”

If the “eyes are the window of the soul,” Paulina seems to enjoy the happy, carefree emotions of young children; her works are inspired by the boundless energy and innocence.

The works embody “the eye that sees what it wishes to see; the eye that captures and tells its own story,” according to the artist.

The Westin Gallery is located next to the concierge desk in the main lobby of the Westin Aruba Resort  and is open for viewing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A gallery representative is available on-site every Wednesday and Friday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m.   If interested in obtaining a particular work, please contact 743-4080 or 587-0004 during office hours.

Story courtesy of The Morning News

The World’s Most Loved Champagne Celebrates the Aruba International Film Festival

Continuing its almost century-long love affair with the movies, Moët & Chandon – the champagne of cinema and the icon of fabulous celebration – is playing a leading role at the prestigious Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF), which is taking place from June 4th to 11th.  Moët will add sparkle to the exciting festival ambiance as the global community of actors, directors, producers and cinephiles gather from all over the world.

Moët is celebrating in fabulous style during the inaugural AIFF from the red carpet, to post-screening soirées and at exclusive events for VIPs like the “Moët & Chandon Party” on June 9th.

The champagne of cinema is also inviting stars on the red carpet to autograph majestic, oversized bottles of Moët in support of charity, a much-loved tradition the House began nearly a decade ago.

The stars are shining bright at the AIFF, playing host to legendary actors and filmmakers of international acclaim:

• Iconic leading man and activist Richard Gere opened the inaugural AIFF as its official host. In addition to opening the Festival, Gere was bestowed with a special humanitarian award and participated in the Festival’s signature “In Conversations With” series
• Academy Award® nominated American actor, producer & director Griffin Dunne
• American actress Patricia Clarkson
• Mexican novelist & film-writer Guillermo Arriaga
• Legendary Oscar® winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker
• Cast of the Indian blockbuster “3 Idiots” – the highest grossing, most successful Bollywood film of all time

Moët, like international cinema, is committed to excellence and has developed a savoir-faire that brings celebration to the world and makes people dream. International film festivals are annual gatherings of cinema lovers that help raise the profile of the cultural importance of cinema. An enthralling combination of competition and celebration, these festivals have done extraordinary things for actors, filmmakers, and filmgoers.  Moët is dedicated to supporting events that shape awareness and develop audience interest in international cinema.

“Generations of the international film community – legendary actors, producers, directors and film festival juries – have celebrated with Moët, since the early days of the film industry,” said Frédéric Cumenal, President and CEO of Moët & Chandon.  “Moët’s commitment as the champagne of cinema grows stronger every year, and we are thrilled to support these annual celebrations that play a crucial role in the careers of international cinema talent.”

Top: Gina and Usha
Bottom left: Actress Patricia Clarkson with Moet and Chandon reps
Center: Longines and Film Fest reps
Bottom right: Patricia Clarkson with ATA Aruba Executives

Aruba rolled out the red carpet this past weekend for the kick off  of the first ever Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF), an island-wide celebration of movies from all over the world.

With legendary leading man Richard Gere as the official host of the festival, Friday’s opening ceremony included Mr. Gere receiving the Golden Aruba Humanitarian Award presented by Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Transportation & Labor Affairs, Mr. Otmar E. Oduber, in the presence of visitors and locals, as well as leading film industry actors, producers and other participants in the movie competition. In addition, Gere participated in the festival’s “In Conversations With” series engaging the audience and offering meaningful insight into the film industry and the many experiences he has learned throughout his stellar career.

The inaugural film festival is showcasing 28 films over the course of the week, of which the majority will be independent films of special interest. The first film was the premiere of “Hachiko, a Dog’s Tale,” a moving story about love and devotion between a dog and his master. This year, and in years to follow, there are expected to be a number of world premiers and “blockbuster” studio films showcased in the festival to complement the independent, art-house selections.

For more information about vacations in Aruba, please visit online at www.ARUBA.com or call 1-800-TO-ARUBA.

At top right: Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Transportation & Labor Affairs Otmar E. Oduber presenting Richard Gere with the Golden Aruba Humanitarian Award during the opening ceremony of the first International Film Festival.

Below from left to right: Giuseppe Cioccarelli (AIFF founder and producer), Claudio Massenza (Artistic Director AIFF), Richard Gere, Aruba’s Prime Minister Michael Eman, Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Trasportation & Labor Affairs Otmar E. Oduber and Jonathan Vieira (AIFF founder and producer) on the red carpet for the opening night.

Editor’s Note: High-Res Images available upon request

Bringing the Coolest Acts to the Hottest Destination!  Memorial Day Weekend May 26-31

Performances by Mary J. Blige, Raheem DeVaughn,  Toni Braxton, Joe Thomas Featuring Soul Beach Competition Winner, Darien and Local Artists, Youth Extreme

Along with “Shaquille O’Neal All Star Comedy Jam”  Starring Kevin Hart, Mark Curry & Chris Spencer
Aruba Entertainment Center, Oranjestad Music Concerts at Joe Laveist Stadium, San Nicholas

Thousands of music enthusiasts return for the 10th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival Hosted by Aruba featuring legendary talent and the best of R&B, soulful performances sure to satisfy connoisseurs of pure grooves. Bringing extreme flavour and heating up the main stage concerts Memorial Day weekend are supreme heavy hitters including (9) Grammy awards winning, and (8) multiplatinum records musical great Mary J. Blige, (5) Grammy winning artist extraordinaire Toni Braxton, R&B multi-platinum sensation Joe Thomas, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter genius Raheem DeVaughn along with a high-decibel comedic round-up of film & television notable Comedian/Actors entertainment featuring Kevin Hart, Mark Curry and Chris Spencer. The 10th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival Hosted by Aruba will tantalize the multitudes with five days of cosmopolitan bliss Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-31.

Festival goers delve into five remarkable days of savory indulgences; culinary extravagances, aquatic rhapsodies at pulsating beach jams and live it up into the night at exclusive after-parties. A special original program screening of the new HBO series “Treme” enchants local movie audiences to set in motion three nights of mesmerizing concert performances where imaginations will come to life and warm vibes stimulate the soul at Joe Laveist Stadium, San Nicholas, and the vivacious essence of Aruba’s tropical haven.

“We’re proud of this year’s festival line-up and our partnership with the Soul Beach Music Festival organizers. The island is ready to host and celebrate this event together with the performing artists and the festival attendees. This year we’re hosting you in San Nicolas, a Caribbean melting pot where music is an expression of everyday life,” said the Minister of Tourism, Transportation and Labor, Otmar E. Oduber. “Since the 1980’s, Aruba has been the proud host of some of the best music artists in the world. This year we’re expanding our horizon and we’re hosting our first Aruba International Film Festival June 4-11, with some of the best in the film industry. Our aim is to provide experiences that our guests enjoy and that our own communities can benefit from. Aruba brings out the best of the performing artists and our guests because of the relaxing, friendly atmosphere, and by offering the best in accommodations, cuisine and activities.”

Up to the minute festival coverage of the 10th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival Hosted by Aruba augments the latest happenings by way of live remotes from local hot spots rotating out to radio stations: Los Angeles KJLH with Adai, Washington DC WHUR with Triscina Grey, New York WBLS with Egypt, Charlotte WBAZ with Chirl Girl, St. Maarten Laser 101 with Gee Money and ABC Doug & Dede show syndicated radio network as well as special guest promotions by Syndication One Ricky Smiley morning show reaching over 40 North American markets. Topping off the vigorous events, the nightly parties spin out till daybreak with celebrity guest DJ performances by General Lee. “We believe that connecting people to what matters to them empowers them to make the most out of every moment and this continuously inspires us to deliver the next era of connectivity along with the 10th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival unwavering sponsors and partners to enhance our market leadership through simplicity, trust and relevance,” said Mark Adkins, producer. “Aruba supports our vision for building a strategic collaboration and we are fortunate to share in their accelerated growth and this year’s expansion of Aruba’s support provides the opportunity to bring a higher level of artist, awareness, and results for Aruba and Soul Beach.”

Friday, May 28th – The 10th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival Hosted by Aruba inaugurates the main stage concerts with “Shaquille O’Neal All Star Comedy Jam” at the Aruba Entertainment Center with a line-up of comedic greats dispensing cosmic wisdom and gut hitting one-liners on the main stage featuring:

Kevin Hart: Kevin has the uncanny ability to flip the proverbial script and integrates his comedic routines to the fit the audience. His screen appeal has led him to be featured in films such as Paper Soldiers, Scary Movie 3, Along Came Polly, and Scary Movie 4.

Mark Curry: Mark is best known for his starring role in the ABC sitcom “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” along with countless other television & film credits but his own stand-up comedy special for Comedy Central unveils his undeniable humour and keen sense of improvisational timing.

Chris Spencer: Chris is a versatile comedian and actor with irrepressible flair and commitment to his art. He has co-starred in television series, “Soul Food,” and had recurring roles on “The Jamie Foxx Show and “In Living Color,” along with countless appearances in television commercials.

Saturday, May 29th – Swinging into full gear to commence the musical fireworks at Joe Laveist Stadium are gifted, spirited and mind-blowing performers:

Mary J. Blige – There’s little, if any, denying that Mary J. Blige is one of the greatest singers of our time. The proof is in the consistent #1 albums and singles, six (9) Grammy awards, seven (8) multi-platinum records and 15-years of love from the public, critics and fellow artists. Since her 1992 debut – the modern classic What’s the 411 to her 2005 Breakthrough Mary J. Blige has helped to redefine R&B.   More importantly, Mary J has been an artist that uses her gift to lift spirits, touch lives and bring her heart, soul and truth to those who are willing to listen. Mary’s eighth studio CD, Growing Pains, comes on the heels of Mary’s best-selling anthology Reflections (2006). Her latest single “I Am” from her Stronger with Each Tear album releases undeniable lyrics that speak a universal language of love and respect as Mary continues captivate the hearts of her loyal fans.

Raheem DeVaughn – The son of renowned jazz musician Abdul Wadud, DeVaughn grew up in Maryland and cut his teeth performing in clubs throughout the Washington, D.C. area. After several indie releases, which he sold on the streets and at his shows, the crooner signed with Jive Records and dropped The Love Experience. DeVaughn broke through commercially with 2007’s Love Behind the Melody, which earned him two Grammy nods, two BET J Awards for “Best Male R&B Artist” and “Album of the Year” as well as a prime slot on tour with Jill Scott. Of course, the man behind the Grammy-nominated smash hits “Woman” and “Customer” gives equal play to matters of the heart.  Raheem DeVaughn has become one of modern soul’s most beloved artists. On the heels of his Love & War MasterPeace album, Raheem delivers a socially conscious work of art musically and lyrically that honours women and grips the attention of listeners while rocking their mind and body.

Darien – Soul Beach Competition winner, Darien, a grassroots artists with an organic fan base that embraces his personal style of music is the first choice pick of his peers and will surely gain more admirers after he takes center stage to debut his crowd pleasing performance while to setting off the dynamic display heart-pumping concerts.

Sunday, May 30th – The music extravaganza continues at Joe Laveist Stadium with consummate entertainers bringing a rich melodic blend of velvety lyrics and stage effervescence streaming three nights of magical concerts to deliver the closing expose from performers:

Toni Braxton – With an impressive catalog of six albums (alongside 2003’s best-selling Ultimate Collection), Toni Braxton has built a worldwide base of music lovers since she first burst onto the contemporary music scene in 1991 with “Love Shoulda Brought You Home” (from the soundtrack of the hit movie “Boomerang”). As the ‘First Lady Of LaFace Records,’ Toni’s creative partnership with Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid and Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds yielded a non-stop run of multi-platinum albums with 1993’s Toni Braxton, 1996’s Secrets to the 2000 set The Heat. Along the way, Toni distinguished herself with unforgettable hit singles such as “Another Sad Love Song,” “Breathe Again,” “Un-Break My Heart,” “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “He Wasn’t Man Enough” picking up five Grammy Awards in the process. In 2008 she received critical acclaim for her debut show, Toni Braxton: Revealed at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Her new single, “Hands Tied” from her sixth album release, Pulse, shows off her timeless lyrical brilliancy.

Joe Thomas – As an accomplished vocalist of smooth and sultry R&B productions with occasional hip-hop beats, Joe’s extensive background has allowed him to sing, write and produce platinum music that hits. Releasing his debut album, Everything, in 1993, Joe Thomas spawned a number of hit singles, including the #10 R&B hit “I’m in Luv.” His 1997 album, All That I Am, reached No. 13 on the Billboard 200 album charts and No. 4 on the R&B charts and went on to sale over a million copies in the U.S. He continues making hits with Ain’t Nothin Like Me (2007) and Signature (2009). His successful career spans over 17 years. Joe brings the luster of seasoned accomplishment and unforgettable virtuosity to the stage and will hold close the spectators with his smooth delivery of endless hits.

Youth Extreme – Twice named, “Band of the Year” during Aruba’s carnival season, Youth Extreme, has gained has gained popularity with an extensive base touring between Holland and the Antilles. The first CD release, “Beyond Greatness” symbolizes their abounding musical range and will be revealed in to the delight of festival goers complimenting while complimenting the last night of top-notch concerts.

Ticket prices for the 10^th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival hosted by Aruba are $65 US (AFL 120 ) per concert or $180 US (AFL 331) for a three-night concert package (plus applicable service charges).

• DePalm Tours Desks at Major Hotels
• MooMba Beach: Palm Beach
• Mambo Jambo
• Dragon CD & Electronics – San Nicholas
• SETAR – Seroe Blanco
• SETAR – San Nicolas
• SETAR – Palm Beach
• SETAR – Yrausquinplein
• SETAR – Santa Cruz
• SETAR – Airport
• Valero – Santa Cruz
• Valero – Essoville
• Valero – Boulevard
• Valero – Ponton
• Valero – Palm Beach
*Venue Box Office One Hour Before Showtime

For more information on the 10th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival hosted by Aruba, please visit www.soulbeach.net or www.aruba.com

Donkey Sanctuary Fundraiser
Wednesday June 2nd, 2010
With N.Y. Jets Cheerleaders

Click to enlarge